History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 122

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168

USA > Wisconsin > Green County > History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 122

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1848 Martin Dixon platted a village on the south side of Main street, and named it Juda. He erected a small frame house and lived there until 1850, when he sold to Joseph Gaus.

In March, 1852, J. D. Overton, Benjamin Broadbent, Robert Hanna and A. B. Smith platted a village, located in fraction 6, of sec- tion 2, township 1 north, range 8 east, and which contained thirty-one lots. The village was named Springfield. In 1857 Joseph Gans sold out to David Witmer, and he re-platted the old village and made thirty-seven lots, which he made an addition to Springfield. That same year, Samuel Witmer made an addition of fif-

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

teen lots on the north of the plat, and north of Main street.

In the fall of 1883, H. C. Witmer circulated a petition that was numerously signed, and which was presented to the county board, and the name of the village was changed back to Juda.

The first birth in the village was Annie, a daughter of David and Martha Taylor.

The first death in the village was Phebe, wife of Joseph Gaus. Her death occurred in Octo- ber, 1850. She was buried in the old cemetery at Juda. During the following year three of their children died.

The first building erected was a log school house in 1844. There were no other buildings erected until in 1847. In that year a Baptist church was built; Garret Clawson erected a dwelling house and wagon shop; George De- bolt put up a dwelling house and blacksmith shop, and Robert Hanna built a house in which he opened a store and hotel.

George Debolt engaged in the blacksmith business in 1847, doing shoeing and general re- pairing. IIe was the first blacksmith in the town. He remained in Juda about fifteen years, when he removed to Sylvester. He remained there three years, then returned to Juda and re- sumed business. He died in 1882.

Garret Clawson was the first wagon-maker in this village. He opened up a shop in 1847. He remained here several years, then went to Brod- head, where he died some years later.

The first merchant was Robert Hanna, who opened a store in 1847. He followed the busi- ness about five years, when he closed out and removed to Iowa.

Benjamin Broadbent was the second mer- chant. He remained in the business but a few years.

The next to engage in the merchandise busi- ness was J. D. Artel. He erected a frame dwell- ing on lot 12, and put in a large stock of goods. In 1856 he sold to Elder Patton and his son, Daniel. They soon afterwards sold to II. and

C. J. Hunt. The latter was a practicing physi- cian. Ile died in a short time. His brother soon closed out the business and engaged in farming.

Evan Hosier opened a store immediately after- ward, but only engaged in the business a short time.

In 1858 David Witmer engaged in the gen- eral merchandise trade, and did the first busi- ness of any magnitude in the village. He con- tinned in trade some years, then closed out.

Robert Hanna kept the first hotel, and his guests received the best of accommodations and were well cared for. Ile went out of the busi- ness in about five years. The present hotel was erected by Samuel Ball, who acted as "jolly host" several years. It has since changed hands several times. Chester Gifford is the present landlord.

C. A. Gifford, hotel keeper in Juda, was born in Fulton Co., N. Y., Oct. 3, 1845. He is a son of Robert B. and Susan M. (Foote) Gifford, who now reside upon a farm in Spring Grove. In 1856 they left New York and came directly to Wisconsin. They remained a short time in North Prairie, Waukesha county, then came to Monroe. It was their intention on leaving New York to settle in Iowa, where Mr. Gifford, Sr., owned a farm, but on their arrival in Monroe a snow storm set in, it being then the fall of the year, and they were unable to proceed. They then concluded to settle in this county, and rented a house in town, in which they lived two weeks, then removed to the farm of George Goodrich, in Clarno. In the spring of 1857 Mr. Gifford, Sr., taught the district school. In the spring of the same year they removed to another farm, owned by David Earlywine, where they lived until the fall of 1857, then re- moved to Juda, to a place now occupied by Mr. Biggs, near the depot. In the meantime they sold their farm in Iowa In 1859 they removed to the farm in Spring Grove where Mr. Gifford, ' Sr., now lives. C. A. Gifford, the subject of this sketch, was married Jan. 24, 1866, to Emma

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

I. Hall, a resident of this county and daugh- ter of William R. and Polly (Parker) Hall. They have four children-Metta L., Zna B., Robert B and Fred C. Metta L. and Zua B. are both teachers in the public schools of this county. Mrs. Gifford's father is living in War- ren, and her mother is dead.

The first hardware store was opened by Josiah Clawson soon after his return from the war. He remained here a short time, then removed his goods to Iowa.

The first postoffice was established in 1847, with Edward Tenny as postmaster. The village was on the route from Monroe to Beloit, and from Janesville to Mineral Point. Mr. Tenny was succeeded as postmaster by J. D. Axtel; and he in turn by Charles Dudgeon, George Gaus and John Swan, the present postmaster.

The first harness maker in the village was A. B. Smith. He opened up a shop in 1851. He continued in business about three years, then sold out to Hugh Benninghaff. The latter re- mained here a few years then closed ont. Jacob and Ezra Frieze opened a shop in 1864. In about three years they sold to Jacob Wilting. One year later he sold to N. W. Hartman, who continued to furnish his patrons with harness, saddles, bridles, etc.

N. W. Hartman came to Green county from Belleville, Washington Co., Penn., March 8, 1871. He is a son of Morgan and Maria (Crabb) Hartman, who still reside in Belleville. Mr. Hartman, of this sketch, learned the harness maker's trade in his native town, and has fol- lowed the same since coming to Juda. ITis wife was formerly Sarah A. Swan, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Mary Swan, both of whom are dead, and the former is buried in Pennsylvania, the latter in Juda cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have two children-Mary Luin and Jesse N. In 1863 Mr. Hartman enlisted in company A, 22d Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was mustered in at New Brighton, Penn., April 14. Hle was with Phil. Sheridan in his cavalry exploits, also with

Siegel at Martinsburg, New Market and Lynch burg, also numerous minor engagements. He served until the close of the war, under Gen- erals Custer, Sheridan, Averill and Hunter. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman are members of the Baptist Church and he is a Mason, an Odd Fel- low and a member of the A. O. U. W.

The first drug store was started by a man named Bishop, in a building located on lot 4. This was during the war. He paid but little attention to his business, and as a consequence soon closed up.

The first school house was erected in 1844, and Brooks Dunwiddie was the first teacher. It was a log building, situated on Main street. Religious services were held in this house while it was in use, which was only a few years.

The Juda flouring mill was erected by Samuel Ball in about 1860. The power is derived from two small streams that flow together below the the mill. There is a dam across each stream, and races carry the water to the mill, which has about ten feet fall. The mill contains two run of stone, which for a number of years did a good business. It is now operated by E. Thompson.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

General merchandise-V. B. S. Newman and William Byrne.

Drugs-W. F. Moldenhaner.

Harness-N. W. Hartman.

Millinery-Mrs. P. E. Reed.

Hotel-Chester Gifford.

Groceries and notions-John Swan.

Banking and real estate-Witmer Bros.

News depot-Witmer Bros.

Station agent -- Samuel Young.

Shoe shop-Samuel Pletts.

Wagon shop-John Waters.

Blacksmith shop-A. Stauffacher and Walter Mackelwee.

Flouring mill-E. Thompson.

Stock buyer-B. L. Wood.

Physicians-J. Clemmer and Dr Fessenden.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

V. B. S. Newman, son of Isaac and Adeline (Sparks) Newman, early settlers of Green connty, was born in the town of German, Fayette Co., Penn., June 13, 1832. He there received his early education in the common schools. He came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1849, and made his home with them until he was twenty-two years of age, when he went to Beaver Dam, to attend school, after which he engaged in teaching school in the town of Jefferson. On the 9th of August, 1862, he enlisted in company K, 22d Wisconsin regiment, Volunteer Infantry. Ile was mustered in as orderly sergeant. They first went to Covington Heights, Ky., remaining there until February, 1863, thence to Tennessee. ITis regiment was captured at Spring Hill, Tenn., on the 5th of March following, and taken to Tullahoma, thence to Libby prison. They were kept prisoners eight weeks, then exchanged and ordered to report at St. Louis. In May of that year, they went to Tennessee and were stationed at Murfreesboro until the spring of 1864, then joined Sherman's command at Chattanooga, and was with him on his march to the sea, thence through the Carolinas to Washington, participating in the many important battles of that memorable campaign. He was promoted 2d lieutenant in May, 1863, and soon after to Ist lientenant. He was honorably discharged with his regiment in July, 1865. Ile returned home and engaged in teaching until 1867, when he embarked in the mercantile business at Juda. He has been successful in business, and still continues in the same. He was married Sept. 20, 1860, to Rebecca J., daughter of Garrett R. and Ruth (Johns) Patton. They have five children-Clyde, Charlie, Kate, Paul and Ruth. He keeps a general stock of groceries, dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps and notions.

William Byrne, a prominent business man of Juda, began the mercantile trade, in that village, in 1876, succeeding John Swan. He carries a

stock of about $6,000. He is a native of Ireland, born near Dublin, Aug. 25, 1839, and is a son of James and Jane Byrne. His father died June 18, 1841, leaving his wife and six children. In the year of 1850, the entire family sailed for America, and settled in Canada until November, 1851, then came to Green Co., Wis. Mr. Byrne, of this sketch, was married March 18, 1861, to Margaret Oliver, of Belleville, Dane Co., Wis. They have had eight children, five of whom are living-Ida L., James E., Maggie, Alice and Dora M. George Edward, Mary, Elener and Maggie are dead. James E., is a mute, and is in Delavan, at school, where he is pursuing his studies, also learning type setting, and is an apt scholar and general favorite. Mr. Byrne enlisted in February, 1865, in company I, of the 46th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in at Madison and did guard duty most of the time that he was in the service. He was discharged in November, 1865. He is a man of good education, and has been a teacher. The Albany Journal speaks of him as follows: "William Byrne, an affable gentleman, and a newspaper correspondent of considerable note, paid us a pleasant visit one day last week. His home is at Juda, Wis." Mr. Byrne is a man of indefatigable courage and possesses great ability of acquiring knowledge, and has become noted for the same, and in the late history of Green county, is classed with the largest farmers of the town of York. He is now doing a flourish- ing business.

W. F. Moldenhaner, druggist at Juda, is a native of Prussia, born Sept. 19, 1842. His father died when he was very young, and his inother married again. He lived upon a farm in his native country until 1857, when his par- ents came to America, and settled at Monroe, Green county, where he remained until 1865, clerking for George Summers, dealer in dry goods, with whom he continued until the spring of 1864, then clerked for A. Pick, about one year, then for J. B. Cook & Co., six months. Ile was married June 12, 1865, to Emilie F.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Gloege, a native of Prussia, and sister of H. L. Gloege, the county clerk. She came with her parents to Green county, in 1860. After mar- riage, Mr. Moldenhaner resided upon a farm abont two years, then, Dec. 11, 1867, he went to clerking for Newman & Gans, continuing with V. B. S. Newman until Jan. 1, 1880, then en- gaged to clerk for B. B. Bowell, druggist, whom he bought out on September 10, of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Moldenhauer have four children living-Arthur F., Edwin S., Oscar H. and Della Emilie. They are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Moldenhaner was constable of Juda, in 1878.

Samuel Pletts is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphine county, June 16, 1831. He is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Shaffer) Pletts. His parents removed from Dauphine county to Centre Co., Penn., in 1837. His father was a shoemaker, and Samuel learned that trade, at which he has always been em- ployed. He was married in Rebersburg, Cen- tre county, to Sapilla Guire, in 1851. He soon after removed from Rebersburg to Venango county, and remained one year, thence to Rock Grove, Stephenson Co., Ill., in 1855. He remained there two years. In 1857 he removed to Juda, this county, and in 1858 removed to Monroe; then in 1859 he removed back to Juda. Mr. and Mrs. Pletts have had eight children, six of whom are living-Margaret A., John F., Charles H., George L., Vasthi and Theodore. They are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Pletts is an Odd Fellow and Mason, and votes the republican ticket.

Anton Stauffacher, blacksmith in the village of Juda, is a native of Switzerland, born June 16, 1841. When four years old, he left his native country with a colony that came to New Glarus. He remained on a farm until 1861, and on the 7th of October, enlisted in the army, and was in quite a number of battles. He was discharged on account of sickness. He was married July 5, 1865, to Anna Schindler, a native of New York. They have seven chil-

dren-Henry J., Anna M., Clara L., Anton A., Lydia T., Frank A. and Charles F. Mrs. Stauffacher is a member of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Stauffacher is a republican.

VILLAGE OF TWIN GROVE.

This little village of about 100 inhabitants is situated near the southern central part of the town of Jefferson. Its first start was in 1862, when Harrison Clevenstine opened a store. He ran the business until 1866, when E. L. Walker succeeded him. Mr. Walker engaged in the business until 1875, when, owing to heavy re- verses, he closed up. Miller & Reitzell then commenced business. They afterward moved their stock of goods away. In 1882 Wells & Walker opened a store. In a short time G. M. Walker purchased the business, and he in turn sold to J. H. Armstrong in 1883. Mr. Arm- strong continues to run the store, and does a good business. He carries a stock of goods valued at $2,000. The building is of briek, and is used as a dwelling house and store.

Alonzo Emrick opened a grocery and confec- tionery store in December, 1882, in which busi- ness he is still engaged.

Abraham Sanborn and Calvin Hale were the first settlers at Twin Grove, although they did not settle at "the corners." Mr. Sanborn's house was about forty rods north, and Mr. Hale's house a quarter of a mile southeast of the cor- ners. Mr. Hale died and his family afterwards erected a house about forty rods east of the cor- ners. Messrs. Sanborn and Hale located here- in 1845.

Jonathan Hill built the first frame house at the corners, and engaged in farming.

Jonathan Cable settled there soon after, and engaged in the blacksmith business. This busi- ness is now in the hands of a gentleman named Walters, who is a first-class workman .

The citizens of Twin Grove are an energetic, wide-awake and intelligent elass of people, who are not slow to take advantage of the fine agri cultural district which surrounds their neat

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

little village. They have a church in the vil- lage, and a school house near by.

BIOGRAPHIICAL.

Below are given biographical sketches of a of a number of the prominent and energetic citizens of the town of Jefferson.

J. A. Chambers is a native of Union Co., Penn., born Feb. 6, 1834. He is a son of Benjamin and Mary C. (Musser) Chambers. His father was a saddle and harness-maker, and started the first harness shop between Chicago and Galena. He worked at his trade in the winter, and improved his farm in the summer. He brought with him his wife and two children- John A. and Robert M., the latter now residing in Colorado. He arrived in the town of Jeffer- son in the spring of 1839, and in a short time purchased a farm of John Baker. By hard la- bor and economy he was successful in securing a comfortable home. They had three children born to them in the town of Jefferson-Elleanor B., Mary C. and Henrietta B. Ile continued to live on his farm most of the time until his death, which occurred in October, 1872. John A., the subject of this sketch, was five years of age when he came to this county. He left the farm to learn the harness making trade, at which he worked for seven years. He then re- turned to the home of his father and built a house and fenced eighty acres of land adjoining his father's farm. He was married in March, 1859, to Mary E. Glover, who died in April, 1860. He then gave up farming and worked at his trade. On the 12th of August, 1862, he en- listed in company K, 22d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war, participating in many battles. Ile was with Sherman on his march from Nashville to Atlanta, Savannah and Richmond ; at the bat- tle of Spring Hill, Tenn., he was wounded in the hand and disabled for eight weeks. At the close of the war he returned to Green county and engaged in farming. In March, 1867, he was married to Margaret Rockey, of Stephen- son Co., Ill., and at the death of his father, pur-

chased the old home, where he now resides. By this union there are six children-Henrietta E., Charles L., Ella M., Mary C., Margaret E. and Benjamin G. Mr. Chambers owns 206 acres of land, with timber adjoining, and one of the best springs in the town of Jefferson. He is engaged in farming and raising stock.

J. S. Brown is a native of Green Co., Ohio, born May 21, 1822. He is a son of D. W. and Lydia (Rowser) Brown. His father was a farmer and a native of Pennsylvania Both parents are now dead and buried in Olive Cem- etery near Bellbrook. The subject of this sketch removed from his native State to this county as early as 1844, and lived with Allen Woodell in Spring Grove about eight months, then went back to Ohio. He afterwards re- turned to Green county, and selected 120 acres of land which he has since sold. He lived upon a farm until 1882, when he removed to the village of Juda, where he has since lived. He now owns 205 acres of land, and a nice house in the village. He was married June 4, 1848, to Patience Stephens, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of Reuben and Sally Stephens, who were among the early settlers of the town of Jefferson. Her father is dead, but her mother is yet living, hale and hearty, aged eighty one years. By this marriage there were three children-David D., now in Oregon; Florence, now living in Franklin Co., Iowa; and Lydia, who lives in Butler Co., Neb, all being married. The mother of these children died and Mr. Brown was again married to Judith A. Luce, a resident and native of Green Co., Ohio. Three children have blessed this union-Belle L. and Jennie, both married; and William who lives at home and is a teacher in the schools of Green county. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Brown of the Christian Church. Mr. Brown has been somewhat promi- nent in the county, having been chairman of the board of supervisors twice, deputy provost marshal during the late war, and constable for

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

six years. He is an excellent man, and may be classed among Green county's best citizens.

Joseph Belveal came to Green county about 1844, and purchased the farm owned by Jere- miah Bridge, which contained sixty acres, lo- cated on section 31, in the town of Jefferson. He has since sold twenty acres and now owns forty. He has always been engaged in farming. Mr. Belveal was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Jan. 22,. 1821. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Caniff) Belveal, are dead, and buried in Union Co., Ohio, where they removed when Joseph, Jr., was ten years old. He remained in that county nutil he came to Jefferson. He was married Dec. 14, 1847, in Monroe, to Elizabeth Clark, a daughter of J. E. Clark, of Jefferson. The ceremony was performed by Elder Wal- worth. Mr. and Mrs. Belveal are the parents of four children, of whom three are living- Sylvester, Sarah A. and George W. Lewis C., the eldest, is dead. Sylvester is a carpenter and cabinet maker. He has a shop upon the farm, in which he works during the winter, making all kinds of scroll and bracket work. He is a natural genius. Mr. Belveal is a repub- lican and a Church member.

E. J. Blackford, a native of Fayette Co., Penn., was born May 12, 1824, and is the son of William and Rachel (Johns) Blackford, natives of the same State, who emigrated to Green county in 1845, and settled in Richland timber, on the Monroe and Juda road. They are both now deceased and buried in Juda Cemetery. The subject of this sketch came here with his parents with whom he made his home for a time. He worked the first summer for Elder Patton. He was married to Margaret Chryst, a danghter of John Chryst, Sr., an early resi- dent of the county, now deceased and buried in Richland. In 1867 Mr. Blackford removed with his family to Iowa, and remained two years. When they were returning to Green county in 1869, Mrs. Blackford died on the road. By this union there were seven children, four of whom are living-John W., Rebecca R., James

E. and Thomas J. He bought a farm in the town of Jefferson in 1859 called the "Chryst" place. Ile also owned a farm on section 8 of the same town. He removed from the "Chryst farm," to Jnda, in November, 1878, living in that town until March, 1883, when he moved to his present home. He was married again, Dec. 23, 1870, to Mrs Jane Clemmer, formerly Jane Roderick. Mrs. Blackford has one daughter by her former marriage-Lucinda L., wife of B. B. Bowell. Mrs Blackford is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Black- ford is a democrat, politically, and has been town clerk of Jefferson, also chairman of the town board two years; assessor, one year, and is at present, justice of the peace.

Andrew Roderick was a native of Pennsyl- vania, born July 14, 1803. His wife is a native of the same State and was born on the day pre- vious. He was always accustomed to farm work, and after spending some time in Virginia came to Green Co., Wis., in 1846, having but $60. He bought forty acres of land and was success- ful, adding thereto until he had 250 acres. He died April 16, 1871, on the farm now owned by Elder Patton and was buried in Juda cemetery. He was an active, energetic, hard working man, a sincere Christian, and a much respected citi- zen. He always took a prominent part in Church matters, and was universally beloved. Mr. and Mrs. Roderick were the parents of nine children, all of whom reached an adult age. Mrs. Roderick still lives on the old homestead, having a pleasant room exclusively for herself.

James W. Roderick has been a resident of Green county since 1846, when he came here with his parents, who located at that time on section 3, in the town of Jefferson. He was born in Fayette Co., Penn., April 5, 1843. He, at present, owns a farm of 200 acres, a part of which is the homestead formerly owned by his father. Ile has good improvements and is de- sirably located. Ile was married Dec. 22, 1870, to Hannah LaBoard, a daughter of Peter La-

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Board, of Juda. The ceremony was performed by Rev. G. R. Patton. They have had three children, only one of whom is living-Ross R. Lydia L. and Letha M. are buried in Juda cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Roderick are members of the Baptist Church.

Nathaniel Preston was a native of England, born in Portsmouth, June 13, 1822. In 1845, he emigrated to America with his mother and lived a few months in Cincinnati, and then came to Monroc, Green county, where he engaged in business, running a shoe shop. In a short time he moved to the town of Jefferson, on section 13, where he owned eighty acres of land, and where he died in June, 1857, and was buried in Spring Grove cemetery. His widow with char- acteristic energy has since added to this farm until it now contains 120 acres, and her son Arthur also owns a like amount. His wife was formerly Charlotte E. Cook, a daughter of John J. Cook, deceased, of Monroe. They were married, in 1852, and had two children-Arthur T., and Mary E., who was married to W. S. Pen- gra, Sept. 3, 1874. Arthur is engaged in stock raising, frequently has good herds of cattle and sells annually a goodly number. Mrs. Preston after coming to this county taught school for a number of years.

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History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 122

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1168

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168